One of the unexpected perks of being a homeschooler is taking advantage of the many discounts that companies offer educators. As long as you have some type of proof that you are an educator, you stand to save quite a bit of money from companies – both big and small.

Below is a list of companies that are known to offer educational discounts to homeschoolers.

Love Apple products, but not the high price tag? Apple has a special education store that is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. When you shop via the website, you can do things like save up to $300 on a new Mac, save up to $20 on a new iPad Pro, get a free pair of Beats wireless headphones with certain purchases, trade in your current Mac to get up to $1500 in credit get free two-day delivery, apply for special financing, and even earn rewards.

Attention all book lovers! Through this program, educators can save 20% on all purchases for classroom use (including books, toys, and games), get up to 25% off during Educator Appreciation events, and receive valuable offers via email. To join this program, you must fill out their application form and submit it in person at a Barnes & Noble location.

Here’s yet another one for the book addicts among us. Teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers receive a 20% discount on most book purchases. They also gain access to exclusive online offers and promotions. To request a Books-A-Million Educator Discount card, fill out this information form.

If you are looking to reorganize your homeschool room, you should check out the Container Store’s Organized Teacher program. Educators receive special discounts throughout the year to help making getting their classrooms organized even easier. Complete the form on their website to get started. Be aware that the website says that this program ends December 31, 2017. Take advantage of it while you still can!

Do you and your family love to get crafty? Now you can do it and spend less money. (Ok, let’s be real – you’re going to still use up your budget, but at least you can get more. 15% more, in fact, because that is the discount available to discount card holders. Sign up to receive your card as a first-time subscriber and you will receive up to a 20% discount. You and your kids would also be able to save money when you enroll in classes such as sewing, quilting, knitting and crocheting, scrapbooking, jewelry-making, floral design, caked decorating and more through the store’s. Check out their schedule of fun and creative classes.

Another haven for the crafty is Michaels. They have a wide array of products to help you create a one-of-a-kind classroom. With the Michaels, you save 15% on every purchase of eligible classroom items (including bulletin board items and educational games). You even save on sale items. To apply, see a store associate for details and have your school ID ready to present as proof.

If you love shopping for office and school supplies, Staples pretty much has everything you need. With their double-tiered teacher rewards program, you earn 5% back in rewards, 10% back in rewards on teaching and art supplies, and you get free shipping when you order online.

These are just a few of the many businesses that offer educational discounts. Many hotels, car rental companies, amusement parks, museums, aquariums, stores, movie theaters, and more also offer great discounts…if you can prove that you are, indeed, an educator. It always helps to ask in advance of a purchase if a company has a discount for educators – and be prepared to show your homeschool ID in case they ask for it.

Don’t have a homeschool ID? It’s really easy to get one (and very handy).

What is a homeschool ID card?

A homeschool ID card is your run-of-the-mill identification card – much like your state ID or driver’s license. It simply serves as proof to any officials who ask that you are a homeschool educator and that our children are homeschool students. It is also used to verify your identity.

While not require, they are convenient and can be helpful in a variety of situations. It can also help you and your family feel more “official” as a school of learners.

How do I get a homeschool ID card?

While you are free to make your own homeschool ID card, I always recommend that people check out the printing services available through the Homeschool Buyers Co-op. You simply choose a template, fill out the relevant info (teacher/student name, school name, school year, grade, and contact info), upload a current photo for each individual card, preview it to make sure everything looks good and then you’re good to go.

You can either print the card at home OR you can pay to have each card professionally printed as a sturdy, plastic ID card ($7.95 for the first card and $5.95 for each additional card in the same order).

I hope this list has helped to show you how you can save money as a homeschooler. Have you heard of other cool places that offer educator discounts? Let us know in the comments below and I will add them to this post.

Comments

I found out this week that you can also register as a teacher for the scholastic book club. Then you can order books and get the teacher discounts and special offers. On top of all of that, you can earn points and use them towards more books or classroom supplies and electronics.

Yes, I just joined this week. If you apply as a teacher online and then call the customer service, they will “verify” your school and give you an account number that day. If you don’t call, it can take a week or more.

Hi, We are happy to offer Home Educators a 10% discount on online/ SKYPE music lessons. I used to home educate myself and know how hard it can be financially. Once the lessons are booked let us know the details (and a photo of your home ed id card) by email and we will refund 10% to your payment method.
Regards
Chris